England Hockey Board (EHB) has revealed that it is to roll-out a new nationwide grassroots campaign - Back to Hockey - in September in a bid to increase participation numbers.

It is hoped that more than 15,000 women will be inspired to take up the sport by the national governing body's programme, which will run over the next three years. Back to Hockey will target women who have previously participated in the sport, offering six- to eight-week blocks of informal 60- to 90-minute sessions.

EHB development director Holly Woodford said: "Back to Hockey will provide all the physical benefits of the game's full format, without the pressure of having to perform for team selection. "By 2013-14 it is our aim that thousands of women will have become regular hockey players, enjoying the team sport with their friends."